The Maine Association of Realtors says more than 17,800 homes changed hands in 2018, representing an increase of more than 1.3 percent from the previous year. Prices also increased 7.5 percent to a statewide median sales price of $215,000.

Association president Peter Harrington says last year’s sales represented the highest number of reported residential real estate transactions and the highest median sales price since data collection began two decades ago. He says the number of transactions started to decline toward the end of the year.

The highest real estate prices in the state were in Cumberland County in southern Maine. The lowest prices were found at the state’s northern edge, Aroostook County.